Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two Chinese nationals in Makati City for allegedly selling counterfeit Philippine banknotes, the agency announced on 24 October 2025.

The NBI said agents from its Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) apprehended Deng Lin during an entrapment operation on 21 October for violations of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the illegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes, and Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

NBI investigators received information that a Chinese individual identified as “Wang Ye” had been selling fake Philippine peso bills online. The suspect was allegedly offering bundles of 100 counterfeit P1,000 bills — both old and new designs — priced at P20,000 and P33,000, respectively.

With the assistance of an informant, NBI-CCD agents set up a meeting with the suspect at a mall in Makati City. The operation, conducted in coordination with representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), led to Deng Lin’s arrest after marked money was handed over, confirming the transaction.

Following the arrest, the suspect was brought to the NBI-CCD office for booking and later underwent inquest proceedings.